Case Title:- JUVENILE X vs. THE STATE OF U.P.
Citation:- SLP (Crl.) No. 10915/2025
Date:- 08.10.2025
Hon’ble Supreme Court Bench:- JUSTICE SANJAY KUMAR & JUSTICE ALOK ARADHE.
The Hon’ble Supreme Court opined that Sex Education should be incorporated in the school curriculum from a younger age, and not be restricted to Classes IX to XII.
- The observation came while hearing a bail plea of a 15-year-old boy accused of rape and criminal intimidation under Sections 376 and 506 of the IPC, read with Section 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012.
- The Hon’ble Court had earlier granted him bail and asked the Uttar Pradesh Government to explain how sex education is being taught in its schools. In response, the State filed an affidavit stating that sex education is part of the curriculum only for Classes IX to XII, in line with NCERT guidelines. The Hon’ble Court was not satisfied with this arrangement, noting that awareness should begin before puberty.
- The Hoin’ble Court stressed that children need to understand bodily and hormonal changes early on, along with proper guidance on behaviour and responsibility. It urged the authorities to rethink and update the curriculum so that younger students also receive age-appropriate sex education.
- The Hon’ble Court said early education would help reduce ignorance, prevent exploitation, and create a healthier understanding of consent and relationships.
- However, the Hon’ble Court left it open for the education authorities to decide and take necessary corrective steps.
